Kerrytown Concert House is proud to partner with the Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association (SEMJA) to celebrate Detroit jazz historian and author, Lars Bjorn, at this year’s Ron Brooks Award Concert. Named for SEMJA’s founder, the Ron Brooks Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the Detroit jazz community as performers and educators.

For the last dozen years, Lars Bjorn has served as the president of SEMJA, supporting the music in many ways: as a scholar, teacher, interviewer, writer, and panelist, collaborating with the major local jazz festivals, and informally advising the Kerrytown Concert House from the very beginnings of its jazz offerings. Bjorn has been widely celebrated, together with his co-author Jim Gallert, for Before Motown, the pioneering widely praised first major history of jazz in Detroit, the culmination of years of research, including numerous in-depth musician interviews that are now archived for future use. For many years, Lars was a sociology professor at the University of Michigan, Dearborn, teaching courses on Detroit and its music. To mark the occasion, an outstanding lineup of area jazz musicians will take the stage in tribute, performing the music that Bjorn has spent a lifetime championing. Featured artists include bassist Paul Keller, pianist Adam Mosley, guitarist Ralph Tope, drummer Jesse Kramer, and more.

Join us in honoring Lars Bjorn and the music that he champions and loves. Get your tickets today!